Easier way to remove M1A handguard?

JRiggs · August 29, 2001, 04:19 PM

Hi,

Just wondered if there was any method of handguard removal other than messing with the gas cylinder. Thanks.

James K · August 29, 2001, 10:11 PM

Removing the handguard does not involve the gas cylinder. You remove the op rod, turn the rifle upside down, then insert a pin punch or the bullet point of a cartridge into one of the holes in the spring clip and pull that side out and down (with the rifle upside down) out of the slot. Do the same on the other side, and the handguard will come right off. Reinstall by placing the front end into the band, then snapping it down so the spring clip ends reengage in the slots.

The procedure is the same with the M1, but a tool should be used for that rifle since the wooden handguard can crack when being removed or replaced; the fiberglass handguard of the M14/M1A has no such problem.

Jim

August 29, 2001, 04:19 PM	#1
JRiggs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 272	Easier way to remove M1A handguard? Hi, Just wondered if there was any method of handguard removal other than messing with the gas cylinder. Thanks.

August 29, 2001, 10:11 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Removing the handguard does not involve the gas cylinder. You remove the op rod, turn the rifle upside down, then insert a pin punch or the bullet point of a cartridge into one of the holes in the spring clip and pull that side out and down (with the rifle upside down) out of the slot. Do the same on the other side, and the handguard will come right off. Reinstall by placing the front end into the band, then snapping it down so the spring clip ends reengage in the slots. The procedure is the same with the M1, but a tool should be used for that rifle since the wooden handguard can crack when being removed or replaced; the fiberglass handguard of the M14/M1A has no such problem. Jim